Lisandro Martínez has sent an emotional message to Argentina supporters after their World Cup final defeat against Spain.
The Manchester United defender started the final but was forced off shortly before half-time after suffering an apparent injury.
Spain eventually won 1-0 after extra time, ending Argentina’s attempt to retain the trophy they lifted in Qatar four years earlier.
Martínez addressed the defeat through Instagram, describing the pain of failing to bring the trophy home while expressing pride in Argentina’s players, staff and supporters.
Lisandro Martínez sends Argentina message
“With pain in my soul for not being able to bring home the trophy we all wanted,” Martínez wrote.
However, the 28-year-old insisted the final result should not overshadow Argentina’s progress through the tournament.
“The result does not define the journey,” he added, before praising the squad for overcoming adversity and refusing to make excuses.
Martínez also congratulated Spain on their “well-deserved” title and thanked Argentina’s supporters for the passion and unity they displayed throughout the competition.
The defender ended his message by stating that representing his country will always remain an enormous honour.
His emotional post arrives while Manchester United wait for clarity over the injury which ended his final early. Standard Sport reported that Martínez left the pitch before the interval but later collected his runners-up medal.
ReadManUtd covered the initial injury concern after Martínez was forced off. Neither Argentina nor United have confirmed the nature or severity of the problem.
Michael Carrick will hope the defender only suffered a minor issue before United begin their Premier League campaign.t.
